The EA behind
Online-EA

Administrative support with a smile since 2004.

Hi, I’m Sheila!

I’m a Canada-based, entrepreneur, mom, adventure lover, and detail-obsessed Executive Assistant (EA).

I’m a helper by nature. It’s my mission to help everyone bring more ease, joy, and efficiency to their days — starting at work but in all areas of life, too.

I created Online-EA and Digital Declutter to share my passion for administrative work in practical ways that create long-term success.

Sheila Penton is holding a sign that says "Hello!" and looking forward to connecting with you.

How can I help?

Your business is your baby — I get it! And I want to help you succeed. 

When we work together, you can trust that your administrative needs are taken care of by someone who’s committed to excellence and reliability.

Your time and energy are precious. Consider me your collaborative partner when it comes to getting work done and keeping things in order.

How it all began…

2004

I was living in Ireland, working at the front desk of a backpackers’ hostel. I loved being the first point of contact for people from all over the world, helping them feel cared for comfortable. Thanks to my cheerful disposition, penchant for organization, and posh Canadian accent (I’m a British-Canadian dual citizen), I was promptly headhunted for a receptionist position at a recruitment agency.

Soon, I was back in Canada supporting top-level executives in the tech industry (where I landed the job simply by walking into the office and introducing myself!). I moved through fast-moving markets, exploring new industries like finance, logistics, coaching, global sales and retail, healthcare and more.

I’d found my niche. My work was interesting, flexible, sustainable, and encouraged me to keep learning. I graduated with high honors from Sheridan Colleges’ Executive Assistant Certificate program and Administrative Assistant Certificate program.

A collage of images including my very first admin job and graduation from Sheridan College

“I’ve known Sheila for several years through the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group and, being aware of her professionalism and skill set, I asked her to lend a hand on a recent project which had very tight timelines. Sheila went over and above the call of duty, offering suggestions to improve our communication process and providing detailed progress reports on a daily basis. She was a joy to work with and I will not hesitate to use her services again.”

Janet Barclay

Owner, Your Website Caregiver & Designer

Launching Online-EA

2011

By 2011, life was changing. I’d become a mom and needed more flexibility. We all carried computers in our pockets and the Executives I supported were rarely in the office. I envisioned a work-life with the freedom to be available for my family while still doing what I loved.

While on maternity leave, I attended an in-person meeting for virtual assistants; getting to know the successful consultants there helped convince me to launch Online-EA and the new era of my work.

Launching my own business empowered me to design my best life — and reminded me of what I love most about this work: helping as many people as possible through a supportive approach to solving everyday problems.

Digital Declutter

2021

Technology is great for so many things — but it can also negatively impact our lives in more ways than we may even realize. Over the years as an EA, I noticed my clients and friends (and yep, myself 🙈) getting bogged down by cluttered digital tools.

So in 2021, I acted on a long-time dream project: Digital Declutter. It’s a supportive online learning platform and community where everyday people learn to take control of their digital assets for better living.

Through the strength of community, education, and interactive events, we empower each other to use technology with intention.

Let’s stay connected (outside the algorithm😉)

I send 1-2 emails per month — thoughtfully written with you in mind and full of tips, resources, and events invites.

I promise not to clutter your inbox — unsubscribe at any time. I’ll never share or sell your info.